On Friday night time, two gigantic footballs every one made from greater than 400,000 sparkly gold tiles hung within the humid air and rotated like disco balls over a stage in New Orleans.
Uber was internet hosting a Tremendous Bowl celebration earlier than Sunday’s matchup between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, and drinks flowed from three bars as servers handed round shrimp Creole skewers and crawfish balls.
Solange Knowles was in a D.J. sales space enjoying crowd favorites from so excessive up it was exhausting to see her face.
Emily Ratajkowski, the mannequin and actress, was among the many first to reach, round 8:30 p.m., and was carrying a slinky black costume. Subsequent got here Amy Schumer, the comic and actress, who headed to the bar the place she laughed loudly with just a few buddies.
“I’ve had a protracted day,” Ms. Schumer stated, waving off interviews.
The actor Jon Hamm, the designer Brooklyn Beckham, the musician Leon Bridges, the singer Tyla, and the D.J. Diplo adopted, and headed into an unique space overlooking the house.
It was intimate but additionally sizzling. Temperatures in New Orleans had been within the 80s, and the gang was sweating.
Round 9 p.m., a marching band and drum line from Tulane College entered the room, and the gang parted whereas the band performed a Mardi Gras medley. Ms. Schumer ran to get a better look and dance alongside.
4 minutes later, a canopy on a stage dropped, and the rapper Travis Scott appeared.
“Let’s make some noise,” he yelled, including an expletive for emphasis, earlier than launching into his hits.
Mr. Hamm let loose a whoop and began dancing.
This was the 2025 Tremendous Bowl in New Orleans, a uncommon occasion that may draw President Trump, Taylor Swift, Mr. Scott and soccer followers to the identical place. And with the festivities, set in opposition to a heated political local weather and within the wake of a terrorist assault in New Orleans earlier this yr, the town was crammed with glamour, angst, anticipation, heavy safety and many music.
All through the weekend, main rappers and musicians headlined bashes across the metropolis.
On Friday, Publish Malone was on the Fillmore New Orleans; Snoop Dogg carried out on the Orpheum Theater; and Nelly was at Brennan’s, a restaurant recognized for its Creole delicacies. Ludacris was the star of Shaq’s Enjoyable Home, a Tremendous Bowl celebration staple that has carnival video games and meals.
Saturday night, Timbaland acquired behind a D.J. sales space and carried out songs for a delighted crowd at an occasion hosted by Maxim and unKommon Occasions.
However some locals stated they spent the weekend simply looking for Ms. Swift, even stopping by eating places she would possibly frequent and homes she might be renting. They usually monitored native information shops that documented her actions.
On Friday, followers gathered exterior of Lilette, a French restaurant on Journal Avenue, after Ms. Swift was noticed there along with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in addition to Patrick and Brittany Mahomes. The following night time, Ms. Swift dined with Mr. Kelce and the rapper Ice Spice at Gianna, an Italian restaurant.
Even those that didn’t see Ms. Swift may really feel her presence throughout the town, and one retailer downtown was promoting purple T-shirts that stated: “In My Nola Period” in gold, sparkly font.
Different recognizable faces noticed round New Orleans included Kourtney Kardashian, Cardi B, Martha Stewart, Girl Gaga, Jelly Roll and Donald Trump Jr.
N.F.L. gamers who weren’t collaborating within the Tremendous Bowl additionally joined the weekend’s festivities. Athletes First, a sports activities illustration company, hosted a celebration on Saturday night time in downtown New Orleans.
Braelon Allen, a rookie participant from the Jets, stated whereas he was having fun with the celebrations, he would somewhat be enjoying.
“It’s enjoyable, nevertheless it stinks on the similar time,” he stated. “Each participant’s dream is to win a Tremendous Bowl.”
Reggie Wayne, a retired broad receiver who performed for the Indianapolis Colts and received a Tremendous Bowl with the workforce in 2007, stated whereas laughing and puffing a cigar: “That is completely extra enjoyable than enjoying a Tremendous Bowl.”
Closely armed regulation enforcement might be seen exterior of many gatherings, particularly within the French Quarter. Vehicles had been topic to random safety checks, and helicopters whizzed above block events.
Natalie Pappas, 35, an Eagles fan from Philadelphia, stated the additional safety made her really feel she may let free on Bourbon avenue, which was packed on Saturday afternoon with a well-known scene of individuals handing out beads, consuming on balconies and dancing on the street.
Ms. Pappas stated there have been so many soccer followers in a single place it felt like an enormous tailgating celebration.
“It’s loopy,” she stated. “It appears like we might be at a house sport.”
